Vic wrote: >... most likely, future kits will include machine-made SMT subassemblies >which will be put together by the builder. > >Is this bad? I don't think so. I didn't complain about not building >the microprocessor in my K2!
I think it would be great. Think of the construction time saved, the reduced opportunities for construction errors and missing parts, and the increased completed system reliability that would result. I know there's not a whole lot of regard for the little MFJ Cub QRP rigs that have been out for a few years, but one of the really wonderful pioneering characteristics of this kit is the use of pre-assembled SMTs on the PCB for all the mundane and boring components like fixed-value resistors, capacitors, transistors, and ICs. The components that are hand assembled are the frequency determining inductors, transformers, crystals, variable resistors, connectors, etc. As a result, there is very little in the way of small parts to inventory or lose, and the kit goes together in no time. If only the Cub design had used a separate LC VFO stage rather than using the one that is integral to the first 612 IC to reduce drift, and used a larger non-SMT PA driver transistor (better key-down power output stability), these would be quite servicable. I'd have loved it if my K1 kits had been predominantly pre-assembled SMT. In fact, that's one of the few things I can think of to improve the K1. I'd buy a mostly pre-assembled SMT version of a KX1 in a heartbeat. 73, Mike / KK5F _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
